Document

September 24 - 30, 2010 • Volume 5 Issue 12www.Taftindependent.com

“Serving the West Kern County Communities of Taft, South Taft, Ford City, Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick, Derby Acres, Dustin Acres, and the Cuyama Valley”

[email protected]

Become A Fan Of The Taft Independent

Remember to vote for Best of Taft 2010Ballot On Back Cover

Ballots Due Monday, Sepember 27th

Winners Will Be Announced Friday, October 1st

New Cuyama Deli Now Open

Wanted: Dead or Alive! Oildorado Warrants Are Up!

State Farm believes that change begins with you. Join the thousands of State Farm agents and associates who volunteer everyday to help build stronger communities. Together we give something back.

P047044 11/04statefarm.com®

State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

Do we have a

VOLUNTEER?

Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 07498711018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268Bus: 661-763-4300

Public Records Request:

City Clerk Reponds to Councilman’s Request and Tell’s Council She Provided Every Document Requested.He Sues The CityAnyway and Gets $4,000!

What’s Wrong With CouncilmanCliff Thompson?

Taft City Clerk Louise Hudgens Shows All The Documents She’s Provided To Irate Councilman

2 TAFT INDEPENDENT September 24-30, 2010

Passion For Nails

Monday to Friday10am-7pm and

Saturday 9am-6pm

Gift Certificates AvailableNail Services:

Sea Shell • Glitter Acrylic Metalic Flakes • Rock Star

(we also treat ingrown nails)

Men & Seniors & Diabetics Welcome

426 CENTER STREET • 661.763.5451

acme jewelry co.F i n e J e w e l r y

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts

14K Gold • Sterling Silver

Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair

Watch Batteries

426 Center Street (661)763-5451

Fine Jewelry • Candles • Gifts 14K Gold Sterling Silver • Black Hills Gold • Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries • Candies • Candles • And More!

New Store Hours:Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pmClosed Sunday and Monday

Handmade Hammond’s Candies

The Perfect Gift!Open 24 Hours! 506 Center Street (661) 205-5579

Time to Get Ready and Get In Shape for the Holidays!

Shop Taft

(661)763-3030

Miller’s

661-763-5445 510 Center Street • Taft

Beauty Supply

Call for an appointment Today

Glam Squad on Premises

Beauty Supply • Salon • Boutique

Barbara Van Pelt • Melissa ThornsberryLaci Rodart • Christine Dunning

Carolyn EasleyShop Manager - Jessica G. Miller

Hair & Skin Care Products • Salon Services Synthetic Hair Wigs & Human Hair Extentions

Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Pictures & Prints • Massages

101 B. Street • Taft

(661)763-9890

El Jacalito Restaurant

Mexican Food & Seafood

Monday - Buy 1 Dinner and get the 2nd FREE*

*On dinner combos 1- 102nd dinner must be of equal or lesser

value From 4pm - Closing.

Wednesday - Kids Eat FREE*

*Kids under 10 years old eat free from Kids Menu with paying Adult

From 4pm - Closing.

Saturday - Noche MexicanaSteak or Chicken Fajitas

$9.95From 4pm - Closing.

All Specials Subject to Change

Specials

Anderson Business ServicesWE COME TO YOU!

Greg AndersonMobile Notary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Sandy AndersonNotary Public

Certified Signing Agent

Schedule of ServicesAcknowledgments and

Jurats$10 per signature

Mortgage Documents $150 per set

Mobile Notary Service $1 per mile

Office: 661-765-7665Greg’s Cell: 661-557-6032

Sandy’s Cell: 661-577-6790

Rite Away Carpet Cleaning

Finished with Your Spring Cleaning?Now it’s Time to do the Carpet!

(661)765-4191

Save yourself a trip to Bakersfield, come in and

browse at your leisure!

Selection ofVinyl Records & Old Radio

Shows

810 Center Street • (661)805-9813

1014 6th Street • TaftIn the Save A Lot Shopping Center

(661)745-4913

Personal StyleFamily Boutique

Your One Stop Shop for the Entire Family

423 & 421 Center Street • 763-3527

614 Center Street

$9.99Large

1 Item

Pizza

765-5311

“We Toss’em,They’re Awesome”

Come See Our New Changes!Bigger Boutique • Kids Room • Juniors Room

Mens Corner • Clearance Room

Voted Best Pizza3 Years in a Row!

Western Fashions Have Arrived for the

Entire Family!More to Come! Keep Checking Back in!

8 Week Bootcamp

Over 6,000Fiction • Non Fiction • Paperback

Hard Covers • SciFi • Biography • Religion Childrens • Cookbooks and More!

Ben’s BooksThe Largest, Cheapest and Only

Used Book Store in Taft

Monday - Friday 9am-7pmSaturday 9am-6pmLocated at 1080 West Kern Street (661) 763-3111

Help Us Celebrate With

15% OFFMinimum Purchase of $12.00

Expires: 10/1/10

Happy 6th Anniversary

Now offering a Luxury Manicure and Luxury Pedicure:

Cullux Remove • Sea Salt & MaskHot Wax Paraffins Hot Rock Massage

Starts October 4th 5:45PM

$75 to Sign UpYou do not need to be a member to sign up

September 24-30, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 3

Community Events........3

News Briefs.....................3

Westside Watcher..........4

Westside News................5



City Council.....................8

Westside Horoscopes.....9

Community Voices..........9

Classified Ads................10

Best of Taft Ballot........12

Inside Community Events

The Taft Independent

508 Center StreetP.O. Box 268

Taft, California 93268(661) 765-6550

Fax (661) 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.TaftIndependent.com

Locally and Independently owned since 2006

The Taft Independent is a locally owned community newspaper published weekly on Fridays for your enjoyment and reading pleasure. We publish 3,500 issues and distribute to over 225 locations in the city of Taft and the neighboring communities of Cuyama Valley, McKittrick, Maricopa, Fellows and Western Kern County, California.

The Independent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies are $1 each. The contents of the Taft Indepen-dent are copyrighted by the Taft Independent, and may not reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

We welcome contributions and suggestions. Our purpose is to present news and issues of importance to our readers.

Subscriptions. Subscription home or mail deliv-ery of the Taft Independent is available for $8.00 per month or $97.00 per year. To subscribe to please call 765-6550.

LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR.Send us your letter to Taft Independent at the above address. Limit it to 300 words and include your name, address, and phone number. Fax: (661) 765-6556. Email your letter to: [email protected].

ADVERTISING.Display Ads: Rates and special discounts are available. Contact our advertising representa-tive at (661) 765-6550.Classifieds: Call 765-6550 or fax us at (661) 765-6556. Phone order are taken. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Publisher and Editor-in-ChiefMichael J. Long

[email protected]

Assistant Managing EditorAdvertising Sales Manager

Jessica Wallis

Layout & DesignIndependent Graphics

Contributing Writers Jessica Miller, Kent Miller

Jessy McCulloch

ColumnistsRandy Miller, Wendy Soto, Mimi Collins

Staff PhotographerSara Bravo

Circulation ManagerJobe Edgar

Member California NewspaperPublishers Association

Printed in California

News BriefsTaft California

“Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument”

Fundraiser for Matthew Fuller Saturday, September 25th

Matthew Fuller, 21, of Taft, was paralyzed from below the bread bone down in a dirt bike accident on 9/11/10. A car wash, rummage sale, and BBQ fundraising event will be held Saturday, September 25th beginning at 8 am at Taft Goodyear Store lot. Contributions to rummage sale accepted at Goodyear store, cash dona-tions accepted at Chevron Valley Credit Union To: Matthew Fuller c/o Joe E. Fuller Jr.

Taft All Star Band Giant Yard Sale Saturday, September 25th

Taft All Star Band Giant Yard Sale Saturday, September 25th 6am-1pm at Lin-coln Jr. High.

8th Annual Old Friends of Bakersfield Car Club’s “Fabulous Fifties Fun Car Show” Saturday, October 2nd

Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 9:00am - 3:30 pm (free to the public) To register a car call Gil Edmondson @ 661-703-4071, Rhonda Pierce @ 661- 809-1500, or pick up forms at Zingo’s restaurant in Bakersfield. Registration: $30 by September 25th, day of car show $35. Includes one lunch ticket. Last year the show had 172 registered cars. Lost of raffle prizes, super raffle prizes, vendors, 50/50, dash plagues, goody bags, and more.....Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit MOVE International.

Homecoming and Alumni Dance & Social Friday, October 8th

The TUHS Class of 1990 is hosting the Homecoming and Alumni Dance & Social on Friday, October 8th rom 9:30pm to 12:30am following the TUHS Homecoming Football Game at WSRPD Community Center Auditorium, located at 500 Cascade Place. ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND TUHS ALUMNI (21 & over) are invited to attend. Admission is $5 per person. Live music by DJ Lotus. No-Host Bar. For more information please contact Stephanie House at (661)331-7094 or [email protected]

Oildorado Kickoff Concert Friday, October 15th

Tickets NOW ON SALE! Get your tickets and concert T-shirts at the Oildorado Store 430 Main Street. Tickets also available now at Taft Chamber of Commerce on Kern Street or www.oildoradoconcert.com. The concert is scheduled for Friday, October 15th at Taft Union High School Football Stadium. Gates open at 5:30pm, food available, concert strats at 6:30pm. Tickets are $25, $15, and $10 for children 9 and under.

NAPD’s 16th “Gayle W. Carlson Memorial Golf Tournament Friday, October 22,2010 - Buena Vista Golf Course - Four Person Team Scramble $125 per person - Entry Deadline: October 21, 2010 - Lunch & Check in: 11:a.m. TEE OFF: 12:00 p.m. STEAK DINNER FOLLOWING - Dinner Guest(s) $20 pp Prizes for - 1st Place Team, 2nd Place Team, 3rd Place Team, Longest Drive and Closest to the pin.A Porsche is being provided by Family Motors for a hole in one! Bring $$$$ for Drawing Tickets! Prizes may include Play & Stay Packages in Reno, Las Vegas, Laughlin, San Diego, Monterey Chukchansi Resort & Casino, Disneyland and more! Great doorprizes too!!!!! Event sponsored by R.W. Montgomery Insurance Services All Proceeds benefit NAPD (New Advances for People with Disabilities) For more information call - NAPD - (661) 395-1361 See you there!

ADVERTISE IN THETAFT INDEPENDENT

WWW.TAFTINDEPENDENT.COM

Matthew FullerFUNDRAISER

Yard Sale • Car Wash • BBQ

Saturday, September 25at the Goodyear Shop on Finley Drive in Taft

Fundraising efforts are underway to help pay the medical costs for Matt Fuller.

Fuller, 21, was seriously injured in a dirt bike accident near Wasco. He is now at Me-morial Hospital in Bakersfield being treated for complications to the injuries suffered

in the crash and awaiting surgery.

An account in his name has been set up at Chevron Valley Credit Union. In addition, a car wash, yard sale and barbecue will be held on Sept. 25 at the Goodyear Shop on

Finley Drive where Matt worked along side his father, Joe Fuller Jr.

Donations for the yard sale can be brought to the store. The yard sale and car wash will start at 8 am and the BBQ will follow about noon.

Oildorado Posse, Gang Heading Out

Tickets for Oildorado Days events are on sale at the Oildorado Store, Fifth and Main, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Events and prices:Taft College Ribeye Cookout (Oct. 14) $20Civic Luncheon (Oct. 15) $30Grant Langston and the Supermodels Concert (Oct. 15) $5Christian Kick-Off Concert (Oct. 15) $10, $15 and $25Roustabout Ball (Oct. 16) $50Bakersfield Symphony (Oct. 17) $10Queen Pageant (Oct. 19) $5Melodrama (Oct. 20, 21, 23, 24) $6Industry Night (Oct. 20) $12Eddie Money Street Party (Oct. 21) $5Biscuit & Gravy Breakfast (Oct. 23) $5Taft vs. Bakersfield “Best of Times” football game (Oct. 23) $8

Westsiders can expect to hear the pop of six-shooters and the boom of shot-guns beginning tonight when the Oildorado posse and Wooden Nickel Gang officially hit the streets in preparation for Oildorado Days.The bullets and shotgun shells are blanks, of course.It’s all part of the fun of Taft’s 100th birthday celebration that runs from Oct. 15-24. “We’ll be roaming the streets beginning Friday to get people accustomed to the sight and sound of the Posse and Wooden Nickel Gang,” said Oildorado Sheriff Billy White. Oildorado officials, accompanied by members of the posse, Wooden Nickel Gang and Maids of Petroleum, made appearances Tuesday at the Kern County Board of Supervisors and Taft City Council meetings to receive proclamations and promote the town’s birthday bash. The Posse and Gang will hit the streets beginning at 5 p.m. every day – except Sunday – beginning tonight. They’ll be on the streets until 8:30 or 9:30.The Posse will be serving “arrest warrants” sworn out by citizens while the Wooden Nickel Gang will be “kidnapping” folks.But if you want to have someone pocketed by the posse or grabbed up by the Gang, it’ll cost you. Warrants and kidnap requests can be purchased at the Oildorado store at Fifth and Main streets for 15 bucks. If you want the “deluxe” treatment, which includes a badge, you’ll have to fork over 25.The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.The schedule for the Posse:Today and Saturday – 5-9:30 p.m.Next week – Monday through Thursday 5-8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-9 p.m. Week of Oct. 4-9 – Monday through Thursday 5-9 p.m.; Friday 5-8 p.m.; Saturday 5-10 p.m. Week of Oct. 11-17 – Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 2:30-5 and 7-9; Saturday noon-4; Sunday 1-4Week of Oct. 18-24 – Monday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oildorado Events Ticket Prices


Editorial

Westside Watcher

Paik’sRanch House Restaurant

“Where Everybody Meets”

Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat. 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wed, Fri. 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Sunday 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

765-6915

Asian ExperienceAsian Food and Pizza

Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 am - 2 pm 4 pm - 9 pmSaturday 4 pm - 9 pm

215 Center Street, Taft763- 1815

Sagebrush Annie’sRestaurant and Wine Tasting

Tasting Sat. & Sun. 11:30-5 pmDinner by Reservation

4211 Highway 33, Ventucopa(661) 766-2319

Taft Crude Coffee HouseCoffee House and Deli

Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 5pm.

Saturday 7 am to 2 pmSundays 7:30 am to 1 pm

1010 6th Street, Taft763-5156

Your Guide To The Best Restaurants and Entertainment on the Westside

Asian Experience

215 Center Street 763-1815

Asian Food and PizzaLunch and DinnerTuesday - Friday

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.Saturday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Live Music Saturday Nights

Tumbleweed Café and Steakhouse

Steak, Seafood, Wild Game, Full Bar

Monday – Friday 6 am to 2 pmSaturday – Sunday 7 am – 2 pm

Dinner Hours Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 9 pm24870 Highway 33, Derby Acres

768-4655

Paik’s Ranch HouseWhere Everybody Meets

Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerOpen 7 Days

Mon. Tues. Thur. Sat. 6 am-9pmSun. Wed. Fri. 6 am - 10pm765-6915 200 Kern St. Taft

El Jacalito Authentic Mexican Dining

We do Catering for any Special Event!Orders to go.

Sunday - Thursday10:30 am - 8:00 pmFriday and Saturday10:30 am - 9:00 pm101 B. Street, Taft

763-9890763-9892 fax

Always Fresh!

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 2;30pmDine In or We Deliver

765-4143700 Kern Street Taft, CA

Westside Entertainment

FOXTHEATER

All shows before 6 p.m.- $7.00 -

Late ShowChild and Senior $7.00

Adults $9.00www.taftfoxtheaters.com

765-4802514 Center St

NOW SHOWING

-The Expendables-The A-Team-Nanny McPhee Returns

The Taft

Restaurant and Entertainment Guide

Independent

Taft Petroleum Club

450 Petroleum Club Road - 763-3268 Open Monday- Friday 3:30pm to Close

Sagebrush Annie’sWine Tasting

Dinner by Reservation

Award Winning Wines

766-23194211 Highway 33, Ventucopa

Chilled & GrilledEvery Wednesday Night

Bike Night!Drink and Appetizer Specials from 7-9pm.

$1 Drafts!!!

765-2000621 Center Street

Get Your Events in the Westside Entertainment Guide. Call 765-6550 or fax 765-6556

Monday Night Football

Your RestaurantListed Here.

Call765-6550.

Starting as low as $12 per

week!

Every Friday is Ribeye Steak Dinner Night Residential • Commerical • Senior DiscountsInterior and Exterior • Specialty Coatings • Floors

Wrought Iron • Power Washing

(661)203-6677CA License # 784342P.O. Box 612 • Taft,CA 93268

FREE ESTIMATES - NO OBLIGATIONS

Letters to the Editor

Taft City Council Candidate Fo-rum Tuesday, September 28th at Historic Fort

Karaoke Contest Every Friday

Come on down and have some free food and great drink prices!

1 male & 1 female will advance to the finals during the Oildorado event on Friday,

October 22nd.Industries Night Tickets on Sale

Tickets for Industries Night during Oildorado Days are on sale at the Club or Oildorado Store, limited tickets are being sold

The Independent will host a forum for candidates for Taft City Council on Tuesday, September 28th at 6 p.m. at the Historic Fort. All 8 council candidates have been invited to participate in a question and answer forum led by Taft College Professor Dr. David Lane. Each candidate will open their presentation with 3 minutes each to present their campaign for council, followed by prepared questions from Dr. Lane, and closed with 3 minutes of closing statements. Taft Councilmen Randy Miller, Paul Linder and Cliff Thomp-son are up for reelection. Challengers Ron Waldrop, Gypsy Freeman, Dee Bankston, and Orchel Krier are challenging the 3 incumbents. Absentee voters, which make up half of all registered voters in the City of Taft, will begin receiving their ballots in the mail by October 8th.

Dear Editor: I am writing this letter in response to all the critical letters addressing the City of Maricopa’s Police Department. I had to get some statistics together for a meeting with Cal Trans on Thursday September 16th. While I was going through the information, I decided to look a little further to see if what the people were saying was correct. Well they were correct and incorrect at the same time. They were correct in saying our police had been stepping up enforcement, but not as they had perceived it. They thought the police were doing it to get vehicles for impounds only. They thought people were being left on the side of the road, as their cars were being towed. The people went off what they were seeing, but by not asking questions, and assuming these things, there was a lot of misinformation spread throughout the town. In 2010 our vehicle stops, and tickets had gone up from 2009, but we are about the same as 2008, and way below 2007. There is a reason for this. In 2007 we had a Chief, and 4 or 5 officers on our police depart-ment, (this is the Chief that the department was brought back to life under), all full time. Somewhere at the end of 2007 or beginning of 2008 we lost that Chief, and did not get another one until approximately 4/2008, that Chief lasted until 6/2009, when we hired another Chief, and he lasted until January 2010, and at that time our present Chief was appointed into an interim Chiefs position. With the first Chief, they all worked 10 hour shifts, leaving the city unmanned for four hours a day, (they were available per call out), and yet in 2007 they had over 1790 citations issued for that year, when that Chief left, and due to some other problems we lost most of the department, and ended up with the Chief and 3 officers, 1 of which was working

animal control, and code enforcement most of the time, so in 2008 tickets went down to over 730, the Chief at the time worked the day shift, and according to our records, he did not write one ticket in the approximately 14 months he was here. By the time he left and the new Chief took over, within a month we were at the Chief, and 2 officers. This Chief was day shift also, and he only wrote about 20 tickets in 7 months, and the ticket count was down to a little over 357. When the new

Chief took over, he knew we were getting complaints from the citizens, that they wanted more coverage, and yet he also knew the city couldn?t afford more officers. So he started the reserve program that has become a blessing to our city, with these officers our total ticket count from 1/12010 to 9/16/2010 is 623. We now have 24 hour coverage at all times, but we only have 2 paid officers. We really never could afford more than 2 officers, but the other Chiefs kept pushing for more, and would not look at reserves. As a member of the City Council, I wanted the coverage, but didn?t want to bring the city to a financial ruin, so I and the other members of the council had to look at this, to see if it would work, and to see what the strain on the citiesbudget was going to be. I cannot speak for the other council members, but I have been happy with what I have seen. It doesn’t mean everything as gone according to plan, or it was all done without having to learn a thing or two, but we have made it. The citizens also complained about our officers patrolling out of town, some of these complaints were justified, as no one knew the officers were where they were spotted, but for the most part, they were where they were asked to be, as we are looking to maybe do some annexing, and we needed to know what it would cost the city for coverage, whether we could do it with what we had, or would we need to expand. It is a long process to annex anything, and we wanted to get an idea of the maintenance costs first, to see if it would be feasible, before we started spending any money, as what little we have, we have to be cautious with it. As far as the impounds, we are not looking to impound anybody’s vehicle, but if the paperwork isn’t right, and they are driving without insurance or a drivers license, if we let them go, and they have an accident, then everyone will be asking why did you let them go. The reputation Maricopa has gotten lately isn’t from the officers over enforcing or anything to do with them, it is from people perceiving one thing, and instead of getting the facts, they spread it all over, and then others believe it, and pass it on. The funni-est part of all this, is one of the biggest adversaries of the police dept, was the mayor of this city the year they had over 1790 tickets. I would like to know why that was acceptable, yet 623 is over policing? Respectfully, John N. Crump Jr. City of Maricopa Councilman

EDITORIALCouncilman Cliff Thompson recently sued the city and received a court settlement of nearly $4,000 because the city clerk alledgedly did not supply public documents that he had requested. He got the settlement because the city did not want to go to court and spend what could have amounted

to tens of thousands of your tax dollars to defend itself against his questionable charge that the city clerk did not provide all documents that he requested. If you know City Clerk Louise Hudgens, who has dutifully worked for the city for over 20 years, you know that she can be a real stickler for detail. Her ethics are above reproach. We do not believe that she denied Councilman Thompson any documents that he has asked for. In fact, Hudgens, at last Tuesday’s city council meeting, showed the council just how many documents, she had provided to Thompson, with copies of emails from Thompson showing his every request and her response to his every request. If you know Thompson, you know that he can be a master manipu-lator and a player with the facts. His ethics are questionable. The city council majority has figured Thompson out and has stopped putting up with his never ending game playing that has virtu-ally brought city business to a stand still and cost the city’s taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars already in lawyers fees to defend against grand jury reports and investigate Thompson and his misdeeds at city hall. Thompson, after all, is running for re-election. Voters have no good reason to return Thompson to another 4 years public service. We see his misuse of taxpayers dollars to get his name in the paper and mislead voters into thinking something is wrong at city hall. The real problem at city hall is Thompson and his never ending fight against those he disagrees with. Thompson lost his control of city hall when he lost his majority vote on the council. Ever since. he has made every ones life miserable. To summarize, if Thompson can’t control something. he destroys it. We hope that the voters will remember this when they vote this November.


Westside News and Business Briefs

Family and Friends of Bob Brown,

We would like to take this time to tell you how wonderful it is to have such special family, friends, and support during our time of sorrow. Thank you for your prayers, support, flowers, love, smiles, and coming by to share your stories and memoies with our family. We would like to give a special thanks to Optimal (Hospice) for being there and helping us through this tough time.

Sincerely,The Brown Family

Oildorado Store & Headquarters

Evening Sale Event

BLACK GOLD FRIDAY

20% Off Merchandise(excludes tickets, warrants & belt buckles)

Friday, October 1st7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Free Popcorn & Oildorado Private Label Water for

shoppers

430 Main Street Taft

Historic Pioneer Merchantile Building

Remember to turn in your Best of Taft Ballots by Monday, September 27th to The Taft Independent office, located at 508 Center Street. Winners will be announced Friday, October 1st.

It started as a Taft High School class project three years ago and has blossomed into a collaboration they hope will lead to Nashville. That destination, they admit, is a long way off so they’ll be content to see where each step ttakes them.Two of those steps for the up-and-coming Taft band “Good Ques-tion” are occurring now. One is an album the five-member band is recording at American Sound in Bakersfield. The second are three appearances at next month’s Taft Oildo-rado Days celebration, including an appearance as the cover band for the Eddie Money downtown street concert. “Good Question” also will make two feature appearances in the Oildorado Pavilion.Band members are Ryan Coulter (lead vocals), Taylor Unruh (lead and rhythm guitar), Ethan Morris (drums), Shawn Wynn (bass) and Alec Olivieri (lead and rhythm guitar and vocals).All but Olivieri are 2007 graduates of Taft High where the four got together for a class project on how recordings are made. That evolved into the band.“Things didn’t truly start until after our senior year,” Coulter said. “We started as a garage band and still are pretty much a garage band, but we are trying to break out of that.” The band has done gigs in San Miguel and at Buck Owens’ Cyrstal Palace in Bakersfield. That’s where Olivieri, a graduate of Stockdale High, heard them and, after a post-performance chat, joined up.The band’s music is rooted in country, but with an edge.“It tip-toes along the lines between rock and country,” Coulter said. “I can’t listen to 90 percent of country because I don’t like where country music is going.” He said the band believes country music can move in different directions.“We think country can be new age and still have the country twang. I guess you’d call what we do progressive country.”There are traces of blues and jazz in the way the band treats country. Garret Tuckness, the band’s manager, said the album that is in the works should be finished by the end of the year.“It takes time,” he said. “We’ve laid down the rhythm tracks. We’re trying to get a demo out. We don’t want to rush it. We want to do it right.”Finishing the album is a big step.“After the CD comes out, we hope to expand more,” said drummer Morris. The band’s next appearance will be Oct. 3 at the 100th anniversary of famous Bakersfield eatery Luigi’s. At last Sunday’s rehearsal (the band can get together only on weekends for now), they were learning how to perform “That’s Amore.” The road to Nashville will be long and bumpy, the members of “Good Question” admit.But they all have one prize in sight.“We definitely want to go big,” Unruh said.

With New Cuyama’s population only being roughly around 562, local business owners Nick and Lily Barakat took a chance on the valley. Nick and Lily had plans on opening a hometown burger joint for the Cuyama residents. With already owning the building where C&H market is located, they decided to add onto the store and open the Deli. “So far so good for a new place” Nick said. With the Deli located in the middle of Bakersfield and Santa Maria on Hwy 166 it is a great spot for travelers to stop and have a good meal. “Everyday we have a new customer” Nick said “We have good food, a clean place, and a friendly atmosphere.” The Deli has a fantastic view of the mountains and patio seat-ing. It’s a place to relax or to get some work done. There is free high speed internet, pool table, air hockey table, flat screen televi-sion and games for the kids to play. “It has been the town hang out spot” Nick said. With plans in the future for New Cuyama, Nick and Lily are happy about how the Deli is bringing business in for them. “When you have good food and good service people come back” says Nick. Many Cuyama residents are happy the Deli has come to town. “I like I can go play games and hang out with my friends” cuyama resident Ian Fordyce says. The Deli is a great place for the town people to come together.

New Cuyama Deli Now Open

Nick and Lily Barakat in front of the New Cuyama Deli

Best of Taft Ballots Due Monday, September 27th

Band On The Run



CookhouseOT

& SaloonSpecializing in Steak & Seafood

Lunch DinnerTuesday - Friday11a.m. - 2p.m.

Tuesday - Thursday 4p.m. - 9p.m.Friday & Saturday 4p.m. - 10p.m.

CLOSEDSUNDAY/MONDAY

205 N. 10th St.(661)763-1819

OT Cookhouse Daily Specials (For the week of 9-28-10 thru 10-2-10)

Tues.9-28-10Lunch

Tues.9-28-10DinnerWed.

9-29-10Lunch

Wed.9-29-10Dinner

Thurs.9-30-10Lunch

Thurs.9-30-10Dinner

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By Kent Miller

Dozens of Oildorado activists – some dressed as Old West dance hall girls and some as Western outlaws or deputies toting pistols and shotguns – livened the start of Tuesday night’s Taft City Council meeting. Councilmembers and some city staff were “arrested” by the deputies and locked-up in the Oildorado jail for a few minutes while media cameras recorded the scene and gunfire echoed from the City Hall parking lot.

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Council and staff were soon released to return to their meeting duties. But even more shots were fired after the Maid of Petroleum candidates and the gunfighters left City Hall. These shots – of the verbal variety – were the latest in a long-running dispute that often sees Mayor Dave Noerr and Council-members Paul Linder and Randy Miller

voting one way and Councilmembers Craig

Noble and Cliff Thompson voting the other way. Soon after the meeting resumed, Noble left his seat to ad-dress his fellow councilmembers, city staff and the audience in a monologue from the podium. Noble assailed City Manager Bob Gorson, Mayor Noerr and Councilmembers Linder and Miller. Two weeks earlier, it was Gorson who was at the podium at a City Council meeting delivering a biting monologue assailing the actions of Councilmembers Noble and Thompson while the two had served as the city’s Personnel Committee and didn’t approve hires Gorson felt were vital. Noble’s claims Tuesday night, Noble read a more-than six-page statement covering a number of areas. Among the items he covered, Noble claimed that Gorson: * “Knowingly went against council direction giv-ing management raises, and raises were excessively higher than normal pay raises; * “Brought false allega-tions against Councilmem-ber Thompson and myself, stating there were three female employees claiming the same allegations when there were none. It was only the city manager; * “Withheld from the council information concerning the SOI (the city’s Sphere of Influence project, which could lead to expansion of city boundaries), such as letters of concern with the EIR (environmental impact report) and water issues that would prevent the SOI from occurring, wasting thousands and thousands of taxpayer dollars;” * Brought false allegations against City Attorney Kathy Gibson; * Entered into contracts in violation of the Government Code

and the Taft Municipal Code that resulted in “thousands of dollars in fees at public expense;” * “Concealed from the council failure to pay” $11,400 in rent from November 2008 to June 2009 on a city-owned residence he occupied; * “For a second time concealed from the council failure to pay rent again, this time for a period of five months.” Noble stated that: Mayor Noerr and Councilmembers Linder and Miller “have been covering up, and you could even say, assisting the city manager. They have not pursued with any disciplinary actions con-cerning the city manager. “In fact, the three councilmembers, with the assistance of the city manager, have instead diverted people’s attention to Councilmember Thompson and myself, falsely accus-ing us of several acts of misconduct.”

In response Miller was the first to respond to Noble’s com-ments. “It’s sad after we had a happy start to this meeting,” he said. “They hammer away at old allegations.

It is just awful. We keep beating

ourselves up. “You said you have been embarrassed. What you have done tonight is certainly embarrassing. “Now you don’t have that third vote (Noble and Thompson were once two members of a three-to-two majority on the coun-cil). If you don’t like it, get that third person (on the council). That’s just the way it is, quit whining.” Linder, Miller and Thompson are each up for re-election to a third four-year term in November. There are also five challengers for the three council seats. As he stated following Gorson’s monologue two weeks ago, Miller said he felt blind-sided by Noble’s comments. “It would have been nice to have (a copy of the comments) ... beforehand,” he said. The mayor called Noble’s monologue “one side of a two-sided issue. “I too am quite weary of hearing this.” Linder and Gorson didn’t respond to Noble’s comments. Hudgens comments But soon after Noble spoke, Municipal Records Administrator (city clerk) Louise Hudgens took to the podium with a box of data in defense of claims that she didn’t fully supply public records requested by Councilmember Thompson. Thompson filed a lawsuit against the city charging that some of the public records he sought were not supplied. He was awarded attorney fees of nearly $3,500. “Accusations and innuendos have been made that I didn’t fulfill my job duties, that I had not provided the copies that were requested (by Thompson),” Hudgens said. “I understand that Councilmember Thompson told someone again just a couple of weeks ago that he had never received any documents that he had requested.” Hudgens cited e-mails to-and-from Thompson with requests for certain copies. “On Aug. 17, 2009, his e-mail to me read ‘if I can get any of this online, just lead me to where I can find it,’” she said. “‘Hard copies not necessary if they are scanned.’ He received his request by return e-mail.”

Taft City Council Lauds Oildorado Committee, Argues About Public Record Requests

Taft City Clerk Louise Hudgens, presents records requested by Coun-cilman Cliff Thomspon, saying that she delivered every document requested by him. Thompson sued the city and received a settlement of nearly $4,000 claiming he did not receive all the records he requested. The city did not fight the suit saying it would be to costly to fight Thomspon’s claim it court.

Taft City Manager Bob Gorson is “ar-rested” by the Oildorado Sheriff ’s Posse.

Councilman Craig Noble reads a statement to the council.

Councilman Paul Linder listens as Councilman Noble reads his statement.

Sheriff White and his Deputy Ken McElmurry read the indictment.

Continued on Page 8

August 27 - 2, 2010 TAFT INDEPENDENT 7


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BootLeg Brew Root beer will be opening a speekeasy (for all ages) at the Oildorado company store starting Friday October 15th. Come join us and be transported back to the time when real men made root beer and their wives were not afraid to drink it. Our Old fashioned root beer represents the roaring 20’s - a fun loving time with root beer, guns and girls. Come and enjoy a bottle or two. Cheep refills!! Caution!! In case of a police raid Bootleg Brew will not be responsible for any fines or jail time incurred by holding, drinking, or hiding a bottle of Bootleg Brew Root Beer. In fact we will testify that you brought that bottle in with you. For shame you have kids...what would your wife say..Oh that is your wife well take them away officer we don’t need riff raff in our upstanding joint...I mean establishment. Coming to Taft during this 2 week period will be like coming home to the time that our product represents. Bootleg Brew is an old fashioned rootbeer made from scratch each day and bottled on site. We will be in the Taft Oildorado store and information center selling bottles of old fashioned root beer each weekend. Come on by and pick up a souvenir bottle of our home style root beer with its commemorative label showing Tafts Oildorado days. We will be doing demonstrations showing how to make this special Root beer at home. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to make Root Beer. We will be selling the extract and recipe to those tough enough to drink it. (The root beer not the extract and recipe.)Root Beer making demonstrations :Friday, October 15th at 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM Saturday, October 16th at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PMWe look forward to seeing you there!

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President/Superintendent William H. Duncan IV and the Board of Trustees of Taft College are pleased to announce the appointment of Ronald M. Errea as Vice President of Adminis-trative Services for Taft College effective Monday, September 7, 2010. After a nationwide search, it was determined by the College Search Committee that Mr. Errea provided the best fit to lead the Administrative Services Section of the College. A native of Bakersfield, Mr. Errea is also a product of local education, including degrees from Bakersfield College as well as Bachelor and Master Degrees from California State University Bakersfield. An active member of the local community, Mr. Errea is married, with two daughters. Professionally, Mr. Errea worked for the County of Kern from August of 1988 through March of 2009. Beginning in the Public Works Department, Mr. Errea also worked for the County of Kern Public Resource Management Agency, California Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Direc-tor for the County’s Aging and Adult Services, culminating with serving as the County Administrative Officer. When asked why he accepted this position, Mr. Errea respond-ed, “I have an exciting opportunity to continue to contribute in public service and the community while contributing to the field of education.” In addition, he acknowledged a major challenge of the position by stating, “Like so many community colleges, one of our major challenges is the economy and the potential impacts of the state budget. I look forward to learning a new business in the field of education and the specifics of providing administrative services to assure the success of Taft Community College.”

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Oildorado Sheriff White is read to start serving arres warrents this weekend as Oildo-rado fever starts to takover Taft. Sheriff White and his posse will be serving warrents this week, so get your smooth puss badge at the Oil-dorado Store and keep out of jail.


TAFT UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH

630 North St. 765-5557

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”

Pastor Cindy BrettschneiderSunday Morning Worship 10:00 AM

Adult Bible Study and Sunday School 11 AMAdult Bible Study Monday 6:00 PMWednesday Night Service 6:00 PM

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First Congregational Church of MaricopaSunday 10 a.m.

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395 California Street, Pastor Maricopa, CA 93252Bill LeBarron (661) 619-5372

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Peace Lutheran Church- LCMSTaft- A caring community under Christ

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In his claim to the city on Dec. 1, 2009, Thompson said that none of his requests were provided on paper, only electronically, Hudgens said. This despite saying “hard copies not necessary” in the Aug. 17 e-mail, she said. “In October 2009, I was told that Mr. Thompson had said that I was not responding to his requests for documents,” Hudgens said. “Prior to the meeting of Oct. 20, I asked him what documents were missing and he said “Oh, just boat loads.’ “I asked him to let me know what they were and I would get them for him. Again, no response from him, but I heard that I was not providing him the documents he had requested.” She supplied Thompson with electronic copies of compensation plans via e-mail in August and paper copies hand-delivered by a police officer on May 7, 2010, she said. Still, in his lawsuit filed May 18, Thompson requested “another copy of the compensa-tion plans,” Hudgens said. As a result of Thompson’s lawsuit, “it has become necessary to enforce Public Re-cords policy more closely,” she said. Other actions In other actions, the council approved: * New employment agreements with Police Chief Ken McMinn, Hudgens, Finance Director Teresa Binkley and Redevelopment Manager Paul Gorte. * Submission of an application for $100,000 from the Green Trees For The Golden State grant program; * The 25 percent allocation of transit occupancy tax to the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the April-June quarter of 2010; * A resolution on The Historical Taft Art Series Program for downtown display of old oilfield equipment; * A request-for-proposal seeking applicants to fill the city attorney position after City Attorney Gibson and the firm of Gibson & Gibson leave the posi-tion as of Dec. 31, 2010.

By Kent Miller

The City of Taft – along with Delano and Shafter – took the fight to force the state to catch-up on multi-million-dollar arrearages owed to the three municipalities for operation of Community Correctional Facilities to the capital Wednesday. In return, the cities received word that partial payment would be coming in early October. \Taft City manager Bob Gorson and Police Chief Ken McMinn were joined by the city managers of Delano and Shafter in visiting the Sacra-mento office of Matthew Cate, secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Gorson and McMinn were seeking payment toward the nearly $2.3 million owed to the city for operation of the Taft CCF. The city is owed for May, June, July and August, Gorson told City Councilmembers at their meeting Tuesday evening. Councilmem-bers expressed anger at the state for failing to make CCF payments since April. “Take them (the prisoners) back or pay us,” said Councilmember Cliff Thompson. “Tell them we will act to close CCF if we are not paid.” Mayor Dave Noerr warned that “if we are not paid, CCF will break the city.” Councilmember Paul Linder volunteered to drive one of the buses to take the prison-ers back to the capital. “If you can’t pay for them, come and get your prisoners,” Councilmember Randy Miller said. “If we didn’t pay the state for a service, they would be all over us.” But he cautioned that there are 67 employees at Taft’s CCF who would lose their jobs if it was closed. Sending a message The total arrearage for the four months for the monthly flat rate is just over $2 million, with the total arrearage for the monthly inmate per diem at more than $274,000, the council was told. “What we were doing is sending them a message about the perilous position they were putting us into,” Noerr said. “Earlier, they were indifferent to our plight. “We are drawing a line in the sand to get their attention addressing the arrears.” The city told Cate that if no payments are received by Dec. 1, the Department of Corrections better be prepared to take back its nearly 600 prisoners housed in the facility at Taft Police Department, the mayor said. “By that date, if we have not been paid-up, it jeopardizes the city,” he said. “If they start paying what is owed, we will change the deadline. “What we ended up doing ... we made a date ... we in the council refused to let the state’s failure to pay bankrupt the City of Taft. We couldn’t tolerate no payments.” Payment promised The city will be getting payments, Gorson said. “I thought it was a very productive meeting,” he said. The city will receive its May payment of about $600,000 within two weeks, Gorson said. Then two or three weeks later the cities will conference with the Department of Corrections to find out when they will receive all or part of the June payment, the city manager said. The May and June payments are part of the 2009-10 fiscal year budget approved a year ago, while July and August payments will have to wait until the state approves a budget for fiscal 2010-11. “(The Department of Correction’s) Cate said there may be a budget sooner than we had anticipated,” Gorson said. “Rumors at the Department of Corrections are that there could be a budget deal in the works.” There have been only five times in the last three decades that state legislators have met the June 15 deadline in passing a budget. This year they are already more than three months late.

City Seeking Overdue CCF Money From State

City CouncilContinued From Page 6

Continued on Page 11


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Aries (March 21-April 19): If you don’t want to lie in the bed you’ve made then you’ll need to make some changes. Only you can correct what’s gone wrong.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): You’ll have the chance to travel and see a very close friend this week. I wouldn’t pass up on it if I were you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): It’s no wonder that you’re exhausted with the impossible schedule you’ve been keeping. Do what it takes to squeeze in some relaxation before you burn out.

Cancer ( June 21-July 22): Don’t feel guilty for acting like yourself and showing your true personality. It would have come out sooner or later whether you liked it or not.

Leo ( July 23-August 22): Every mistake, no matter how large, can be corrected in one way or another. If you’re worried that you’ve made a huge one, start looking into how you can fix it.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): It’s funny how even if you don’t know that what you’re doing is wrong, your stomach sure does. If you’re feeling guilty then it’s probably for good reason.

Libra (September 23-October 22): As annoying as a sore loser is, a sore winner tends to be even more obnoxious. Try to avoid being either this week.

Scorpio (October 23-November 22): You may need to handle some extra domestic responsibilities this week, but don’t worry. Your help with not go unappreciated or unnoticed.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21): Even if a loved one doesn’t love the gift you’ve given them, they will treasure it because it’s from you.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Don’t bother letting your temper get the best of you in this case, as it won’t do you a single bit of good. Rather, it will only make things worse.

Aquarius ( January 20-February 19): Your motivation may be low this week, but unfortunately work and life in general won’t be content with anything less than your all.

Pisces (February 20-March 20): You have a real chance to show off your strengths at work this week. Do what it takes to make the impression you’re capable of.

If your birthday is this week: In thinking of the future, it’s difficult not to get a bit overwhelmed and even apprehensive. But you have so much going for you that even if things don’t happen exactly as you’re imagining and hoping, that doesn’t mean you won’t still be wildly suc-cessful. It’s all in how you define success.

Constitution Day: What’s to Celebrate?

By Dr. Harold Pease

I did not celebrate Constitution Day September 17, primarily because I did not know how to do so. The Federal Government requires the college where I work to do something on that day to qualify for it’s Title IV grant for which, if people really read the document, they would find no authority. I was asked to give suggestions. The assigned administrator and I pondered several options, none of which seemed fitting or particularly meaningful. Still, we should do something; ignorance on this document is appalling and patriotism from those under 25 seems virtually dead. Even the president was filmed recently with his hands to his side during the playing of the national anthem, expressing total ignorance, total disrespect, or both (see the video on LibertyUnderFire.org). Nearly no one reads this document anymore. Republicans only give lip service to it, and Democrats don’t even pretend to do that much. So how shall we celebrate Constitution Day? Should we celebrate the total disregard of the list in Article I, Section 8 from which the government is limited in making laws? The Found-ers created the list so that government could not rule wherever it pleased as in other countries. Perhaps we could talk about the 10th Amendment, which strengthens the argument that all powers not specifically mentioned remain with the states and with the people. This is flagrantly violated almost daily by a renegade, inept, or ignorant congress. Perhaps we should celebrate the separation of powers created by the Founders where one branch made the law, another enforced the law, and yet a third adjudicated the law—a separation that we used to honor. However, we would also have to acknowledge how the government has corrupted that separation. For the last three generations an unelected bureaucracy made most federal laws be-cause Congress got lazy. They skirt around it by calling them “rules and regulations” instead of laws, but they still exact a punishment if a business or individual is out of harmony. Presidents make law by executive orders, many with no legislative authorization. “Sign-ing Statements”, popularized by the Bush Administration, distort laws passed by Congress by removing portions he disagreed with. The Obama Administration created a new level of administra-tors he called “Czars” (purposely skirting Senate confirmation) to manage areas where no Constitutional authority exists—last count was 34. To all of this Congress remains silent to the abduction of

her power. The Supreme Court also makes laws by ruling in such a way as to give existing law new meaning. Even Clarence Thomas admitted that some justices attempt to ascertain what the Founder had in mind before ruling; others he says, “just make it up.” This certainly would be an interesting presentation for Constitution Day. Maybe we could celebrate the concept of federalism, the notion that the states handle domestic issues and the federal government handles primarily foreign issues and that they are coequal (like a marriage) neither being master or slave to the other; but this is gone. Perhaps we could celebrate the Constitutional mandate Ar-ticle V that federal empowerment required the consent of 3/4ths of the states. Unfortunately, this notion of shared and equal was abandoned in the fifties and sixties, and as a result the federal government clearly rules the states; all but Arizona bow in near total obedience. There are so many other topics one might “celebrate”, such as the distortion of the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution from an intended individual right to have a weapon, whether govern-ment approved or not, to only a collective right through a militia now interpreted as the National Guard which organization did not then exist. The Constitution is a foreign language to most and this ignorance has resulted in our being out of harmony so long. The perversions are almost numberless. Perhaps we could celebrate Constitution Day by bussing in an assemblage of elected officials assigned to tell us how they are going to return us to the Constitu-tion before it is too late. But how do we keep them from just giving lip service to the document instead giving self-serving speeches? Check with me next September 17. We will do something in honor of the Constitution because it is mandated; but will it be meaningful? Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College. To read more of his articles, please visit www.Liber-tyUnderFire.org.


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ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $3.00 per issue for up to three lines, $5 per issue for up to 5 lines, and $7 per issue for up to 10 lines. Yard Sale ads are free. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Boxed\outlined\bolded classified ads start at $12.00 for 8 lines, $16 for 12 lines, $20 for 15 lines, $25 for 20 lines.

Photo Ads. Car, truck or house for sale ads are $5 per week, or $10 with a photo. Email us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Classified ads deadline is now Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

Email: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268.

ClassifiedsClassified Ads are $2.00 per line. Phone, fax, mail or drop off your ad to the Taft Independent.

Ad your photograph for $5. Ad your company logo for $5. Boxed ads are $3 additional. E-mail us (or bring to our office) a photo of your home, car, truck or motorcycle and we’ll do the rest.

Yard Sale ads are free, up to 3 lines.

Classified ad deadline is Thursday at 2 p.m.

Phone: 765-6550

Fax: 765-6556

E-mail: [email protected]

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Taft Independent 210 6th St., Taft, CA 93268, 765-6550.

Business ServicesCleaning Services

My Fair LadiesCleaning ServicesComm. and ResidentialServing the Westside661.477.3455Lic. No. 007657

Rite Away Carpet CleaningCarpet & Upholstery Cleaning\General CleaningOwner OperatedVisa\Master Card 765-4191

YARD SALESAdvertise your FREE yard sale ad. Up to 3 lines free. Fax your ad to 765-6556 or call and leave message at 765-6550 by 2 p.m. Thursday.

Taft All Star Band Giant Yard Sale Saturday, September 25th 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. 810 6th St. Lincoln Junior High School

Yard Sale. Saturday 7am-noon. 123 N. 10th St. Inside the mobile home park space #21. Houseware items, golf items.

Yard Sale Saturday and Sunday from sun up to sun set. 303 1/2 Tyler St. Electronics and collectables.

Yard Sale Saturday and Sunday 201 Lucard 7am-? Snowboard, table, speakers, lots of clothes.

Yard Sale Saturday 8am-11am 24301 Hwy 166. 2 miles East of Maricopa. Estate Sale quality furniture, no knick knacks.

GIANT ANTIQUE SALE. Sat 10/02/10. 8am - 12 pm. Everything must go! Cash only 516 Grant Terrace (off E St). 769-8023 for information. Antique furniture & smalls, 40’s bedroom set, huge 100 year old sideboard, china cabinet, clocks, lots of yard decoration - fountains, pots, much more. Don’t miss out on this one.

ANNOUNCEMENTS NONPROFIT UNITY THRIFT & OUTREACH NEEDS YOU! We are looking for foster homes, monetary dona-tions, yardsale items, blankets, towels, odd jobs, etc.PLEASE help us help our community. 661-623-2218 or 661-330-5040

Affordable Rents

We’ve Got em!

Preserving for the Future

Real Estate eBroker Inc.325 Kern Street

Karri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 & #01333971

661-332-6597www.BuyTaft.com

Real Estate Sales & Purchase

Taft Construction,Air Conditioning and

Heating

We Do All Phases of Construction

Kitchen and Bathroom Specialists

Ken Shugarts (661) 343-0507

30 Plus Years in ConstructionLicense No. 927634

* must present ad at time of service

Yard MaintenanceResidential and Commercial

Over 10 Years of Business in Taft!

Urias Gardening Service

(661) 293-0219 or (661) 577-7891

MARICOPA ALUMNIIn celebration of Taft’s Oildorado days we will be opening a hospitality center at 531 Center street during theevent. October 15-24. We will be hosting a din-ner/dance on October 23. Reservations are required. For information please contact Marga-ret Smith 539-2975

TUHS Class of 1970 hosts the “All TUHS Reunion” October 22-24, at the Oildorado Midway Pavilion Tent. All students and graduates of TUHS are encouraged to participate. For details call Cherie @ 765-6621

Grief Support Group, offered as a community service by Optimal Hospice Care. Meetings held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 1:30p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At Chevron Valley Credit Union, Community Room, 1092 W. Kern St., Taft. Enter by outside entrance – Albertson’s Shopping Center. And 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at First Baptist Church. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 220 N. First St. Free and open to the public. Info call 716-4000.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association Of Kern County is offering Respite Care here in Taft. Call-Cathy Perkins at 760-379-0848 for RESPITE CARE info. Respite Care is available every Thursday At the First Baptist Church located at 220 North St. from 9:00am—3:00pm.

For problems with Alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous. 765-4016 or 763-3856.

TUHS Class of 1970 looking for the following friends and class-mates for their 40th Reunion: Betty Aeilts, Carol Beasley, Joselyn Brenoel, Vincent Brown, Karen Denny, Deb-bie Downing, Brenda Everett, Clyde Eugene Green, Cliff Halcomb, David Harrell, Vickie Herron (not a grad but

a classmate), Gary Hollingsworth, Steve Jones, Nancy Keeler, Robert Lambright, Laura Lowery, Blaine McCoy, Marlene Michaels, Rich-ard Michaels, Sherri Mundy, Doug Myers, Debbie Osborne Pelkey, Ernest Powe, Donna Pratt, John Rohall, Phyl-iss Simmons, Dennis Smith, Sue Smith, Deb-bie Snellgrove, Barbara Taxdahl, Linda Thomp-son, Albert Weigand, Sharon White.Contact Debbie (Hicks) Ruff @ 661-477-8838 or Cherie Napoleon @ 661-765-6621

COMPUTER SERVICES

Taft PC Services

We fix computers, laptops, PDAs

and cell phones. TaftPCServices.com.

623-5188.

HELP WANTEDTAFT COLLEGEIS CURRENTLY

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION:

Welding Associate Professor

Full-Time Non-Tenure Track Position

For more information about the position

and application forms you can access the college’s website at www.taftcollege.edu

or you can contact the TC Human Resources

Department by calling 661-763-7805.

DEADLINE FOR FILING: This position

will remain open until filled, priority consideration date

of Friday, October 8, 2010. EOE

TAFT COLLEGE

IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING

APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING

Lost female chihuahua. Light brown partially long haired. Lost near Warren and 2nd St. Please call 765-1927 or 600-4270.

MOTORCYCLES

94 Honda Shadow 1100. Saddlebags, windshield, uns great. $2,200. 747-1953.

2006 YZ-85, asv levers, pro circuit Platinum pipe, after market parts, race ready. $1,700 obo. 2006 CRF 230 F, stock. $1500 obo. 763-4723.

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE, 1991 HONDA NIGHTHAWK, NEW TIRES, BATTERY,& RECENT TUNE UP, 6041 MILES. VERY CLEAN & RUNS GREAT! $2300 OBO. IF INTERESTED 661-763-3221

AUTOMOBILES01 Toyota Highlander needs engine work. $2,200 (559)901-3660.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Taft Property Management

1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms now available in good

areas.CRIME FREE

HOUSING Brokers Licence

04417057661-577-7136PROPERTY FOR RENT

230 center streetbusiness office space for rent 4000 sq. foot. retail or restaurant 661-343-0507 HOMES FOR SALEReal Estate eBroker Inc.

325 Kern StreetKarri ChristensenLIC# 01522411 &

#01333971661-332-6597

www.BuyTaft.comReal Estate Sales &

PurchaseSingle Wide Mobile Home. 1981 Skyline 12’ x 64’. $12,000 obo. 763-4977 or 765-5541.

Home for sale by owner. Negotiable. 2 bd/1ba garage and large yard, etc. at 103 Polk St. Contact 661-903-1594 or 661-763-3075

2 ac. horse facility. 1600+ sq. ft. 3b/2b. Completely remodeled. 3 car garage, hay storage, carport.All landscaped & on auto sprinklers. Great location near park, BEST schools. $180,000 obo 623-5648

HOMES FOR RENTWest ValleyReal Estate

(661) 763-1500.Lic # 01525550 www.BuySellManage.com.

FOR RENT315 7th St. 1/1603 Fillmore St. 2/1504 Lucard St. 3/1704 Phillippine St. 2/1127 Franklin St. 3/1Other Rental Properties Available!

FOR SALEWhy rent when you can buy for almost half the cost?!218 Suzanne 4/1.75 completely remodeled!400 Buchanan 3/1.75 well cared for!Contact us for details and a complete list of homes for Sale!

115 Kern Street. 3/1. New interior and exterior paint. New window covering, hugh yard, washer\dryer hookups. Avail now. $650 mo.pls dep. water incld. 509 4th St. 2/1. New inter.\ext. paint. New biinds, huge yard. Water incl. $625 mo pls dep. Avail. now.405 San Emidio. 1/1. New blinds, wash/dryer hookups. Hugh yard. Avail now. Water Incl. $525 mo pls. Dep. Call Mark. (805) 689-4122.

3 Bd. 1 ba. Taft Hts. 522 F St. $775 mo. $800 dep. 765-4016.

325 Lierly 800/mo plus desposit, 2+1 + den,

dining room, lg. liv. rm. breakfast room, call

Eddie 818-585-9796

123 E. San Emidio St. 3bd. 2 ba. Wash/Dryer incl. $1350 mo. plus dep. (818) 355-8633.

210 Naylor St. 3 bd. 1 ba. Remodeled house. $700 mo. plus dep. 909-239-8337.or 661-717-9056.

$100 move in. 108 Center Street. 1 bd., 1 ba. apt. (661) 846-6403. Equal Housing Opportunity.

$1,300 + $1,000 dep, like-new, 4+2 1700+ sq ft, 2 car garage + lg shop, pest pd, 301 Buchnan 765-6636

FOR LEASE 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Taft heights washer and gas dryer hook ups $700 a month contact Rick at either (661)765-2328 or (661)342-5877 section 8 ok available now.

2bd, 1ba, condo 533 Front St. W&D hookups + yard. $850 mo + dep. 661-577-7020

2/1+ office Taft Hgt, clean, no smoking, fully applianced, $1000mo + $1000sec. dep. Avail. now, 706-2509

3bd/ 2ba 1 acre, horse property. Dustin Acres

$1,000 mo. + dep. 304-6231

2 BD/2BA for Rent-903 Hazelton St. Maricopa. Fresh paint/new carpet. Water/Garbage paid. NO PETS. $600/$600 dep. Call Nadine @623-1157 for application and appointmen

Clean 1 bedroomunfurnished apt., allutilities paid, pestcontrol service,laundry furnished, NOPETS. $450/month,$250 deposit. Call661.765.4786 between7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

APART. FOR RENTCreekside Apartments. 1 BD and 2 BD. Pool, AC & Appl. 661.765-7674. 420 Finley Dr.

Small 2 bd 1.5 ba. Clean, newly carpeted. $650 mo. Rent includes all utilities, shared washer/dryer. Call 765-2468.

Courtyard Terrace Apts. 1 and 2 bdrm’sPool,lndry rm.,1210 4th St. Apt. 1. Sec. 8 OK. (661) 763-1333.

Imperial Gardens. 2 and 1 bd. rm. avail. Comes w/stove, dishwasker and refrig. Pool and manager on site. Water, sewer and trash incl. 661.300-1616.


Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3419 Harrison St. Taft, CA 93268 (661) 765-2987

Somos una Agencia Independiente Con Varias Aseguradoras Prominentes Para Darle El Mejor Servicio

Lo Representamos A Usted Para Darle Un Excelente Servicio Como Usted Se Lo Merece

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

Le Ofrecemos Los Mejores Precios

Auto - Casa - Salud - Negocio - Notary Public

NuestroPersonalAmable

HARRISON STREET AUTOMOTIVE209 Harrison Street • Taft

(661)765-2505 or (661)763-1887 fax

$39.75*

for Smog Check ‘96 or Newer plus

certificate

Ask about $500.00 Free Smog Repair

Restrictions Apply

* must present ad at time of service

1/2 offDiagnostics

No Appointment Needed For Smog Check!

661-763-4445 500 S. 10th Street

Free Retest with our repairs!

QIKSmog & Tune

Certified C. A. P. Station

We Certify Test - Only Vehicals

General Automotive

Repairs

We are an Independent Agency WithMany Pre-Eminent Insurance Companies

To Best Suit Your NeedsWe Represent You To Give You The Best Service

Edward J. Herrera Insurance

420 Center StreetTaft, Ca 93268(661)745-4920Lic. # 0277365

www.edherrerainsurance.com

WE Offer You Low Discounted Rates

Auto - Home - Health - Business - Notary Public

Our

Friendly Staff

Advertise

in the

Taft Independent

www.

taftindependent.

com

765-6550

State Farm believes that change begins with you. Join the thousands of State Farm agents and associates who volunteer everyday to help build stronger communities. Together we give something back.

P047044 11/04statefarm.com®

State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

Do we have a

VOLUNTEER?

Kathy Herm, AgentInsurance Lic. #: 07498711018 West Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268Bus: 661-763-4300

western shop & PET SUPPLYwww.shawswesternshop.com

Wrangler Q-Baby & Cash Low Rise Cowboy Cut

Wrangler Aura Women’s Jean

Western WareLadies Jeans • Kids Stuff

Boots • Hats • Great Belts • and More!

Just in Time for Oildorado!

Prison reserves The prison has about $775,000 in reserves, Chief McMinn told the

council. And the chief and his staff have instituted cost-cutting measures, Noerr said. Still, without payments from the

state, prison expenses could eat up the city’s reserves, he said. “The last time we had to sue the state to get payment, it took three years,” Noerr said. “We can’t wait that long again. “We at the city recognize the benefits of the Commu-nity Correctional Facility. People of the community and employees of the CCF want nothing more than to make the state realize it has an obligation and to fulfill that obligation. “Because they are so ir-responsible that they can not pass a budget does not mean we will be irrespon-sible.”

CCF FundingContinued from Page 8


The Taft IndependentBest of Taft 2010

What’s your favorite Restaurant? Who makes the best pizza?The best Burger? Or, what is your favorite business?

The Independent is seeking your vote for the Best of Taft 2010.Submit your nomination and vote today for the following categories or make up one of your own.

Vote your choice for The Best of Taft 2010 Best Pizza_____________________________________________________

Best Mexican Restaurant ________________________________________

Best Salsa_____________________________________________________

Best Burger ____________________________________________________

Best Coffee ____________________________________________________

Best Breakfast _________________________________________________

Best Restaurant, Period __________________________________________

Best Meal for your Money_________________________________________

Best New Business/Company ______________________________________

Best Salon ____________________________________________________

Best Stylist ____________________________________________________

Best Mechanic or Auto Body Shop _________________________________

Best Health Club/ Gym __________________________________________

Best Teacher/Professor ___________________________________________

Best Sales Clerk ________________________________________________

Best Waitress __________________________________________________

Best Weekend Getaway (Within 50 miles of Taft) _____________________

Best Tourist Destination (What brings people to Taft)__________________

Best Facebook Page (Taft Person or Organization)_____________________

Best Property Management Firm/Real Estate Agent ____________________

Best Bank/Credit Union _________________________________________

Best Local Band ________________________________________________

Best Convenience Store __________________________________________

Best Place to Pamper you Pets/Groomer/Grooming_____________________

Best Customer Service/Friendliest Staff ______________________________

Best Person/Place for Home Improvements ___________________________

Best Place to People Watch _______________________________________

Best Non Profit Organization______________________________________

Best Community Event ___________________________________________

Best Elected Figure ______________________________________________

Best Community Volunteer_________________________________________

Best Law Enforcement Professional__________________________________

Create Your Own Category. Best____________________________________

Best of Taft Rules: Submit your nominations to the Taft Independent on this official form. Mail this form to our office located at508 Center Street, Taft, CA 93268 or drop in our door mail slot, or fax the form to 765-6556. Nominations will only be accepted on this form.

DEADLINE to file your form is Friday, October 1st, 2010 WINNERS will be announced on Friday, October 8th, 2010 in our Special Oildorado Issue.

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